Enhancement of Antiviral Effect of Plastic Film against SARS-CoV-2: Combining Nanomaterials and Nanopatterns with Scalability for Mass Manufacturing.

Yuyang Zhou,Nan Zhang,Jaythoon Hassan,Michael D. Gilchrist,Nicola F. Fletcher

doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02266

Yuyang Zhou, Nan Zhang + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02266

Copy DOI

Journal: Nano letters	Publication Date: Dec 9, 2021
Citations: 22	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University College Dublin

Abstract

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces in frequently accessed areas is a confirmed transmission mode of SARS-CoV-2. To address this challenge, we have developed novel plastic films with enhanced effectiveness for deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 by means of nanomaterials combined with nanopatterns. Results prove that these functionalized films are able to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 by up to 2 orders of magnitude within the first hour compared to untreated films, thus reducing the likelihood of transmission. Nanopatterns can enhance the antiviral effectiveness by increasing the contact area between nanoparticles and virus. Significantly, the established process also considers the issue of scalability for mass manufacturing. A low-cost process for nanostructured antiviral films integrating ultrasonic atomization spray coating and thermal nanoimprinting lithography is proposed. A further in-depth investigation should consider the size, spacing, and shape of nanopillars, the type and concentration of nanoparticles, and the scale-up and integration of these processes with manufacturing for optimal antiviral effectiveness.

Highlights

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces in frequently accessed areas is a confirmed transmission mode of SARSCoV-2
The recent discovery of SARS-CoV-2 on the outer packaging of frozen foods is likely to be an important route for diseases transmission,[15] and the use of protective antiviral film would mitigate this problem, which is meaningful for international trade of frozen food products
Developing antiviral plastic surfaces that can be used widely and is required urgently in order to reduce the spread of viral infections in the population, and is in line with the requirement demonstrated in recent guidance documents from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).[17]

Summary

Introduction

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces in frequently accessed areas is a confirmed transmission mode of SARSCoV-2. Recent research has confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can remain active on plastic for 72 h, which poses a high risk of indirect transmission by touching contaminated surfaces.[12,13] For example, many outbreaks of coronavirus in food processing plants are due to cold and damp indoor areas, which are perfect environments for coronavirus to linger and spread.[14] Virus-containing droplets from infected individuals are more likely to spread, settle, and stay viable.

Results

Conclusion